Lisa Pettibone

With an interest in astronomy and physics, Lisa Pettibone’s practice investigates the cosmos in terms of energy, forces and form as filtered through human perception. She creates sculpture, installation and print to explore areas where humans and nature intersect through the lens of science. Using a variety of materials, including glass, she records spontaneous phenomena, such as the pull of gravity, evoking sensory experiences that aim to connect people to their environment. Processes often incorporate periods of research into scientific concepts, collaboration or site-specific work.

She has an MA in Art and Science from Central Saint Martins, London and was artist-in-residence at Mullard Space Science Laboratory (UCL) funded by Arts Council England from September 2018-2019. Her collaborative artwork Fingertip Galaxy was launched on ESA’s Euclid Mission spacecraft in July 2023. In February 2022 her work was sent to the International Space Station as part of the Moon Gallery ISS Test Mission.

Working from her studio in Surrey, Lisa develops work for exhibition, undertakes commissions and teaches advanced glass-making courses. As an advocate of interdisciplinary practice, she has organised and participated in art/science events at institutions including NASA/JPL in California, CERN in Geneva, European Space Agency NL, University College London and Central Saint Martins, London. She is currently on the Moon Village Association UK Committee contributing to the Cultural Considerations working group. She is also a member of arts organisations ArtCan and Royal Society of Sculptors.

Originally from California with a background in graphic design, she has a BA(Hons) 3D Design in Glass from University for the Creative Arts, Farnham UK in 2005. Her work is held in private collections and exhibited internationally. She was selected for The Aesthetica Art Prize 2013 and appeared in the Corning Museum of Glass (New York) publication New Glass Review 35. In 2012-13 she completed two commissions for the National Trust – Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire and The Vyne near Basingstoke. In 2015 and 2018 her work was included in the prestigious Discerning Eye Exhibition, London and in 2017 she won the National Open Art Prize Installation Category. She was selected to create a glass and metal installation for Collect Art & Craft Fair at Somerset House, London in 2022 and was longlisted again for the Aesthetica Art Prize in 2023.